The 2025 Grammys had a lot to offer, but there were definitely some notable moments that left me with mixed feelings.
Most of the performances were nothing short of spectacular. Collaborations between artists from different genres, like the smooth blend of pop and country with Kacey Musgraves and Olivia Rodrigo, showcased the power of music to bring people together. There was also the heartwarming tribute to the late Tina Turner. Her influence will always remain, and it was special to watch the music world come together to honor her.
However, some performances felt rushed and unfinished, and certain segments seemed to lack the emotional connection we’ve come to expect from such a prestigious event. Charli XCX’s performance, for instance, faced criticism for the awkward interruptions which took away from the overall impact of her piece.
I was happy to see some deserving winners outside the major categories, such as the recognition of emerging talents like Chappell Roan and Doechii’s success.The inclusion of so many diverse artists across genres felt like the Grammys are starting to move in a more inclusive direction, even if there’s still room for improvement.
The Grammys have faced criticism for a lack of diversity and representation in their nominations and awards. Marginalized and oppressed communities have often felt invisible in the awards ceremony, especially in terms of Black and Latino artists. This issue became more prominent when many artists, especially from underrepresented groups, were repeatedly overlooked in favor of mainstream, predominantly white nominees.
Notably, the Weeknd boycotted the Grammys for four years, citing his frustration with the organization’s lack of transparency and fairness in its nomination process. His decision came after the 2020 snub, where his album After Hours and hit single “Blinding Lights” received zero nominations despite significant commercial success.
Additionally, several LGBTQ+ artists have felt sidelined by the Grammy Awards. For instance, the critically acclaimed Frank Ocean has only won one Grammy despite having groundbreaking albums like Channel Orange and Blonde. Lil Nas X, who rose to fame with his hit single “Old Town Road,” faced delays in recognition from the Grammys, even though his success challenged genre norms and sparked important conversations about LGBTQ+ visibility in terms of hip-hop culture.
Despite these challenges, artists from underrepresented communities continue pushing boundaries and demand a wider representation within the music industry.
Overall, I greatly applaud Beyoncé’s well-earned victories. However, with that being said, the lingering sadness over Lil Nas X’s exclusion from the same category only years prior makes the win somewhat bittersweet. The absence of Billie Eilish’s recognition also left me with mixed feelings about the night.
Here’s to hoping that the Grammys will strike a better balance in future years, celebrating legends and the trailblazers who are pushing forward, while also delivering a powerful message about what the music industry can be at its best.